2009 National Park Week April 18 to 26

Date: April 3, 2009
Contact: Kim Coons, 912-638-3639

Fort Frederica National Monument Superintendent Mary Beth Wester is pleased to announce the details of several upcoming programs during National Park Week. National Park Week is an annual week proclaimed by the President of the United States for celebration and recognition of America’s National Parks. This year’s National Park Week is April 18– 26 and Fort Frederica National Monument is offering some special programs to highlight the park’s history.

On Saturday, April 19, a special living history program will immerse visitors in an important aspect of colonial culture. Visitors are invited to join some of Frederica’s 18th-century residents at the site of the Bennett Tavern. Taverns were an important focal point of colonial towns like Frederica. Visitors will enjoy an evening in a colonial tavern and learn some of the stories of Frederica’s past, participate in colonial tavern games and sing period tavern songs. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be served to participants. “An Evening in a Colonial Tavern” will begin at 7:00 PM. Admission fees will be charged (See below for information on admission fees).

On Sunday, April 20, in partnership with the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), the SAR will commemorate Patriot’s Day with a special program commemorating the Revolutionary War battle which occurred in the Frederica River in 1777. This program will take place at the Fort from 1 pm – 2 pm.

On Junior Ranger Day, Saturday, April 25 Junior Ranger’s will be able to participate in two Junior Ranger programs – Fort Frederica’s and the Cultures of the Coast. The Fort Frederica Junior Ranger adventure book is an award winning one of a kind “pop-up” style book complete with the tools needed (compass, spyglass, tricorn hat) to complete the adventure. The Cultures of the Coast book is a partnership between Fort Matanzas National Monument and the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida; the Timucuan Preserve (Kingsley Plantation) and Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville, Florida; Cumberland Island National Seashore in St. Marys, Georgia; and Fort Frederica National Monument. The Cultures of the Coast Junior Ranger program is available at each of these sites. Children who complete the activities are awarded a Junior Ranger badge, certificate and patch.

Admission Fees: Adults (age 16+) are $3.00 per person. Children under age 16 are free. Fort Frederica, National Parks, Golden passes are valid for admission to the park and its events.

For further information about this event and the expanding number of programs at Fort Frederica National Monument visitors may contact the park Visitor Center at 912-638-3639.